Award Recipients Recognized at Convention

Jan. 30, 2004 -- After a six-year absence, the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) re-instated the tradition of an annual awards ceremony. Winners were recognized during an awards lunch at the Annual ASI/NLFA Convention in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, Jan. 23, 2004.

The McClure Silver Ram Award was presented to Roger Thacker of Versailles, Ky., for his substantial contribution to the sheep industry. An active member of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association as well as ASI for more than three decades, Thacker?s diligence and dedication to resource management and environmental issues are legendary.

Dr. Joseph Rook of Holt, Mich., was the recipient of the Flock Guardian Award. Rook has performed numerous studies, which include lamb mortality in both shed and pasture lambing operations; the promotion of extended seasonal grazing with the use of alternative forages; and procurement of seed for yield and forage analysis.

Ron Cole of Fort Collins, Colo., was presented the Camptender Award. Cole provides excellent, unbiased information on sheep markets to farmers and ranchers of all size operations.

The winner of the Shepherd?s Voice Broadcast Media Award was Al Gustin of Mandan, N.D. Gustin maintains a strong commitment to balanced reporting and provides consistent coverage of the sheep industry locally, statewide and into a five-state area. He reports on all aspects of the industry, not just the markets, and remains in constant contact with grassroots people as he deals with the current issues of the industry.

Finally, the Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to Bill Schultz of Degraff, Ohio. The Shultz family has implemented many conservation practices to improve and protect the land. A few of these practices include: the use of no-till and conservation tillage methods; fencing that allows for modified intensive grazing and maximization of forage potential; and a riparian buffer to protect the river corridor and water.

ASI president, Guy Flora stated, ?I was encouraged by the enthusiasm from industry members as they nominated deserving candidates for the five award categories. The award selection committee had the difficult task of choosing a winner in each area. We definitely feel that all of this year?s recipients are well deserving of their respective awards.?

The complete press release can be found at: sheepusa.org.

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